Ben Keefe, a well-known and cherished figure in McHenry, IL, has sadly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his community. As the beloved commander of the McHenry VFW, Ben was not only a leader but a friend to many. He founded the club’s weekly Queen of Hearts game, which raised over $1 million to support veterans’ programs throughout McHenry County.
His commitment to helping others extended far beyond his role as commander. Ben’s efforts touched the lives of veterans through his involvement with Veterans Path to Hope. Laura Franz, the Executive Director of VPH, shared heartfelt words, saying, "Veterans Path to Hope felt Ben’s support, as a veteran himself and leader of a close partner (McHenry VFW), from his words and actions. He showed up at agency events, supported donations of food and funding, and uplifted veterans through these efforts as well as innumerable others. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. He is irreplaceable and will be missed terribly."
In response to Ben’s passing, members of the community have shared their condolences. Sean Merchant expressed his deep respect, saying, "Salute! Please keep us updated on any remembrance, service, and donation in his honor!" Peggy Cosman Kayser reflected on the sadness of the loss, commenting, "Oh how very sad. Rest in peace." Other tributes included Cyndi Wollack, who wrote, "I’m so glad I got to meet him, what a nice man. Prayers & Peace," while Mario Garcia offered, "Fair winds and following seas fellow vet…"
To support Ben’s family, Wayne Jett, the mayor of McHenry, has organized a fundraiser to help with the financial burden left in the wake of this tragedy. So far, $583 has been raised out of the $50,000 goal, with donations pouring in from community members like Amanda Mazur, Stacy Loresch, and Elise Linker. These contributions are a testament to the love and respect the community holds for Ben.
Ben’s passing leaves a void not only in his family, including his wife Kim and children Nora, Molly, and Riley, but in the entire McHenry community. His impact, his kindness, and his service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Keefe family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Short Summary of Ben Keefe
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ben Keefe |
| Date of Passing | Recently |
| Fundraiser Created By | Wayne Jett |
| Goal Amount | $50,000 |
| Amount Raised | $583 |
| Location | McHenry, IL |
| Purpose | Financial support for the family in their time of need |
Note:This post was written and edited by Violet Davis, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.